Eco-Town

Hockerton Eco-Housing Project

In terms of eco-housing developments the Hockerton housing project
(Nottinghamshire near Newark) is simply groundbreaking, with its earth covered,
self sufficient housing, existing in harmony with its natural surroundings, its
a perfect example of how eco-communities can exist side by side local wildlife
habitats.

All five eco-houses in Hockerton generate their own energy, provide there
own water supply through rainwater harvesting and recycle any waste produced.
Recycled waste products are then turned into compost and used to regenerate the
vegetation and local woodland.

The Hockerton Housing project (HHP) is a completely carbon zero, pollution
free community, proving some of the most energy efficient housing in the UK
& Europe.

The HHP also hosts many events including workshops and tours of their site.
You can even hire the venue for your own needs, perfect for off-site office
workshops or community gatherings. The eco-friendly setting will real inspire
people as they marvel at the ingenious energy saving technology such as,

Use the Map below to find out more about the Hockerton Housing Project.

1) Bike Shelter

The Bike Shelter is the place to start a tour of the Hockerton
housing project. The shed is made predominately from green Oak and is a perfect
place to shelter from the rain or have a rest.

2) Vegetable patch

This is where project members grow their vegetables.
Peppers, Tomatoes, and several other vegetables are grown in a poly-tunnel
providing them with the warmth they need. All vegetables are grown using
organic and perm-aculture principles.

3) The Old Duck Pond

The old duck pond is now a valuable water source for the
organic land. Water is collected from drainage systems on local barn roofs.
There is a solar pump which pumps water to a holding tank, in the center of the
organic land. The Solar pump is in operation on Sunny days.

Soil that was excavated from the lake (no 17) was used to
create the man made structure called the Bund. The Bund has a multi purpose,
reducing the noise pollution from a busy road by providing a barrier at the
same time providing the basin for the reservoir (no 5). Willow & Hazel
trees have been planted in the bund.

5) The reservoir

This is the central reservation for all non drinking water. It is 2
meters with a length of 25 meters. The reservoir water is collected
from nearby fields and gardens and collected in the Sump (no 10) before
being pumped into the reservoir.

6) Sand Filter

Before any of the reservoir water can be used it passes through sand
filters which remove any unwanted solids and organic waste, this
harvested water is then held in a tank ready for use in showers &
Baths, toilets etc,

These stones were placed to mark the original medieval
site of the village of Hockerton.
This was an important archaeological site and many historical remains were
found here and elsewhere on the grounds of the Hockerton Housing Project. The
stones were reclaimed from a stonemason who had no further use for them.

8) Rear view of Hockerton homes

Hundreds of tones of earth were used on the main side of the
houses, in order to reduce the implications of the development. This
means you can barely see the homes from the road. This for of earth sheltering compensates
for the artificial impact of the houses and restores the green footprint
to the area.

9) The Eco Roof

If you visit Hockerton on a tour, you can easily climb up on
the roofs of the homes. from the roof you can see the total contrast of each
side. The northern side (rough side) covered in earth/grass. The warmer
southern side containing the photovoltaic solar panels, harvesting the suns
energy in order to heat and generate the energy needed to run the Hockerton
homes.

Both The Sump & Septic tanks are hidden by planted vegetation, such as
flowers beds and mulberry bushes. Water enters the sump via a series of
intricate swales down the side of the road. These culverts collect the water
from the surrounding land and direct it into the Sump. The water in the Sump is
then pumped into the reservoir (no 5).

Waste from the houses enters the septic tank and eventually after a
period of settlement is deposited into a floating reed bed (no 18).

11) Hockerton Gardens

Every eco-house built, has its own private garden. Some are
put to recreational use, other are used to grow organic products.

12) Hockerton Sustainable Resource Centre

Because of the popularity of the Hockerton housing project with the
public a learning centre was created(2004). Providing an area where
exhibitions could take place and also hosting a project office so that future
events could be planned. The building also provides visitors with public bathrooms.

The building itself conforms to Carbon Zero standards using renewable energy
sources such as solar energy. The southern face of the building overlooks the
lake, woodland and wildlife pond, making it a perfect spot for visitors to enjoy
the natural beauty of the Hockerton housing project.

This wind turbine provides approximately 6,000kWhrs of wind
energy to the Hockerton homes.

14) Iskra wind turbine

This provides a similar amount of energy, but goes towards powering the
sustainable resources centre and the on-site electric car.

15) The Pond

Unlike most ponds this natural pond is fish free, and
therefore able to attract many invertebrates such as dragonfly. It also provdes
a valuable sources of moisture for aquatic (marginal) plants such as bulrushes
with in turn provides valuable cover for local wildlife.

This amazing bridge sculpture was designed (2003) by Hockertons on-site
artist/resident. Linking the two sides of the lake the bride is built
from reclaimed wood and provides access from the sustainable Resources
centre to open spaces often used for events.

17) The Lake

The lake is used for a number of activities such as the
fish-farming of Carp and Rudd, base for the reed fed system for treating sewage
(no 18), feeding the pond (no 15), keeping the lakes length constant and for
recreation use, such as boating.

18) Reed Fed Sewage treatment system.

This system treats the outflow taken from the septic tanks through a highly
active eco-system. The bacteria in the water gets a plentiful supply of oxygen
from the reeds, this in turn is able to digest the pathogens within the
sewage.

The lake is tested on a regular basis an always meets bathing water quality.

composting takes place in all the eco-homes & buildings in
Hockerton. Compost bins are provided for the local comunity to use.
The resulting compost is used to grow vegtables and grow vegatation.

20) The Orchard & Bee Hive

Both the apple trees and the bee hive are good examples of nature
working in harmony. The apple trees benifit from being pollonated by
the bees and the trees provided nectar & pollen for the bees.
Honey is collected from the bee hives and used throughout Hockertons
households.